Taking coconut oil daily for just four weeks can reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems and stroke.

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London: Of late, coconut oil has been a pretty controversial food. While some experts classify the food as a 'superfood', others, including the American Heart Association (AHA), disagree, because of the fact that it is packed with saturated fat, which can raise 'bad' cholesterol linked with an increased risk of heart disease. However, debunking the earlier findings that indicated coconut oil is unhealthy, a new study suggests that consuming three teaspoons of this oil every day may actually lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

For the study, researchers Kay-Tee Khaw and Professor Nita Forouhi from the University of Cambridge recruited 94 volunteers between the ages of 50 and 75, none of whom had a history of heart disease or diabetes, reports the Independent.

They split the participants into three groups and each of them was asked to consume 50 grams or roughly three tablespoons of either coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil or unsalted butter every day for four weeks.

They wanted to analyse that how eating these fats regularly would affect the volunteers’ cholesterol levels.

The findings indicated that the participants, who consumed butter saw an average rise of 10 percent in their levels of LDL cholesterol, known as the “bad cholesterol”.

Those, who consumed olive oil saw a slight reduction in LDL levels and a five percent rise in HDL cholesterol levels, which is often referred to as the ‘good cholesterol’.

Surprisingly, the participants who ate coconut oil saw the biggest rise in HDL levels with an average of 15 percent - making coconut oil the most heart-healthy fat by far.

The findings indicate that people who consume coconut oil on a regular basis may have a reduced risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

The researchers noted that the decision to eat particular oils depends on more than just the health effects.

Other health benefits of coconut oil

Despite all the sound and fury that surrounds coconut oil, there have been few studies done to test specific health claims. Some of the health benefits of coconut oil are -

Consuming 3 tbsp of coconut oil daily cuts heart disease risk: 5 other health benefits of this superfoodDescription:Taking coconut oil daily for just four weeks can reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems and stroke.Times Now